June Artist Olga Orlovska-Soalty
by Olga Orlovska -Soaltys
It’s almost summer and all around us there is new life blooming. This fresh beauty is exactly what artists draw inspiration from. But during this scenic seasonal transition, there is utter devastation from bombing, fighting, suffering, and the killing of thousands of people in the heart of Europe, the second largest country on the continent.
Garden
February 24, 2022, marks the darkest day in recent history. War began in Ukraine, my native country. My friends, my family, and more than 40 million other Ukrainians live there and love their country. Every day when I call the people, I love in my hometown Lviv, I pray that they are safe and have not been bombed.
The Russian army is bombing and shelling our cities, tearing apart and destroying the houses of civilian people. They rape women and children. They torture and humiliate people. They loot and steal items from dead bodies and houses. People are hiding in bomb shelters and fleeing to other cities or countries in Europe and around the world. They are currently hiding out in schools, gyms, dorms, and other shelters. Ukrainian mothers are writing their children’s names and family contact information onto their backs in case they are separated, or the mother is murdered.
Grandmother’s Lullaby
Birds Dream
The Russians have damaged or destroyed more than 400 medical facilities in Ukraine, including dozens of hospitals and clinics. In eastern Ukraine especially there is hardly any treatment available for cancer patients, no insulin for people with diabetes, a shortage of antibiotics, and no way to perform surgery under the current circumstances.
Brave Ukrainians have been fighting for their freedom, democracy, and the fundamental values and principles that they stand for as a sovereign nation. Ukraine is fighting its way to Victory.
Genesis
And victory will come as we stand together for Ukraine through protests, rallies, and demonstrations where we demand continued and swift heavy military support and crippling economic sanctions on Russia without loopholes. We continue to fundraise, to host discussions about true Ukrainian history and the current situation that is not marred by Russian propaganda. We continue to exhibit our art and call out Russian war crimes against Ukrainian people. We continue to keep Ukraine in the media coverage and make our voices heard.
Light will overcome darkness.
You can help Ukraine by donating to any links bellow:
Olga Orlovska-Soalty
Old Legend
An award winning American-Ukrainian artist, Olga Orlovska-Soaltys lives in Saint Joseph, MI. She received her Master of Art Degree at National Academy of Art, Ukraine, and majored in Textile Design and Decoration.
"What are symbols? What do they mean? What role do they play in our lives? For what reason are the symbols found on pottery or fabric? In my artworks I use old pagan symbols. I explore their history, origin, meaning and impact. This is an exciting and captivating process. I am inspired by the rich palette of hues that I see in the brilliance of nature. In my art you will find color and texture as a combination that excludes energy, movement, and vibrancy.
Olga taught art classes at Buchanan Art Center and as art-instructor taught classes at University of Wisconsin, Marinette, Continuing Education. Olga taught adult classes in silk painting, advanced silk painting, and kids classes at Kid's Art Camp, And Gifted and Talented Academy. Olga works in different media: reverse painting on glass, black ink and pen graphic, and silk painting.
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Olga paints on glass using reverse painting technique with oil medium.
Reverse Painting on glass is technique where paint is applied on the back or reverse side of the glass and is viewed through the front surface of glass. This process requires the painting to be done in reverse order from typically painting on canvas or paper. Details or accents are painted first and the background last. When the painting is finished the glass is turned over and displayed with the paint behind the glass.
Garden